Music history will come alive in Newmarket this June as Céleste Music presents its inaugural Early Keyboard Festival, an immersive celebration of historical keyboard performance and artistry. Presented in partnership with the Town of Newmarket, the festival will take place at the Serpa Galleries inside Old Town Hall, located at 460 Botsford Street.

Running across several dates from June 5 to June 28, 2026, the festival combines concerts, masterclasses, student showcases and educational experiences designed to introduce audiences to the rich sounds and stories of historical keyboard instruments.

The unique programme transforms the gallery space into a living musical exhibition where audiences can hear centuries-old instruments performed by internationally respected artists and historical performance specialists.

A Celebration of Historical Sound

At the heart of the festival are five public concerts showcasing Céleste Music’s remarkable collection of historical keyboards. Audiences will experience authentic interpretations of classical and early music performed on carefully restored instruments designed to recreate the sounds originally intended by composers of past centuries.

Festival organisers are also introducing several newly acquired historical keyboards to North American audiences for the very first time. These rare instruments offer listeners an opportunity to hear the tonal colours, textures and musical character that shaped keyboard music throughout European history.

In addition to the performances themselves, guests are invited to explore the instruments up close and engage directly with performers and experts throughout the festival.

Concert Highlights

The festival’s concert series presents a diverse range of repertoire and performance styles across multiple weekends in June.

• Beethoven @ 1800
  Friday, June 5, 2026 | 7 p.m.
  A historically inspired performance exploring Beethoven’s music through period instruments, revealing the composer’s original tonal world and dramatic expression.
• Elegy and Fantasy
  Sunday, June 14, 2026 | 2 p.m.
  An expressive programme blending lyrical beauty, emotional storytelling and virtuosic keyboard works from the Classical and Romantic traditions.
• In Illustrious Company at the Graf Piano
  Sunday, June 21, 2026 | 2 p.m.
  A captivating concert highlighting the distinctive sound of the historic Graf piano through elegant works by celebrated European composers.
• Céleste Music Academy Festival Showcase Concert
  Saturday, June 27, 2026 | 2 p.m.
  Emerging young performers showcase their artistry and technical accomplishments during this inspiring student-centred festival concert celebrating musical growth.
• Voyage to Versailles
  Sunday, June 28, 2026 | 2 p.m.
  A musical journey through the splendour of French Baroque court music featuring refined ornamentation, elegance and historical performance traditions.

Masterclasses and Educational Programming

Alongside the concerts, the festival includes five days of masterclasses and educational workshops designed for students, performers and music enthusiasts.

Featured sessions include masterclasses with Andrea Botticelli on June 6 and 7, competition classes from June 18 to 19, a Piano Technician’s Workshop on June 20, and additional classes with Charlotte Nediger and adult performers on June 26.

These sessions provide participants with opportunities to deepen their understanding of historical performance techniques, instrument care and interpretive artistry.

Music, History and Community

The Early Keyboard Festival reflects Céleste Music’s commitment to preserving musical heritage while creating accessible cultural experiences for the community. By combining performance, education and historical discovery, the festival offers audiences a rare opportunity to connect with music history in an intimate and interactive setting.

As anticipation builds for its inaugural season, the Early Keyboard Festival promises to become a distinctive addition to Newmarket’s growing arts and cultural landscape.